Crown of Shadows

Chapter 12-Damion

As we stepped through the threshold of Ryder's home, a sense of relief washed over me. The journey had been long and dangerous, and the prospect of a warm bed and a safe haven filled me with gratitude.

Ryder led us through the cozy interior of his home, its walls adorned with maps and trinkets from his travels. The scent of wood smoke and herbs lingered in the air, inviting us to make ourselves at home.

"Make yourselves comfortable," Ryder said with a warm smile, gesturing to the plush couches and chairs scattered around the room. "I'll go fetch some blankets and pillows."

London let out a weary sigh as she sank into a nearby chair, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. Lou paced around the room, her restless energy palpable as she inspected every corner.

Nicholas remained stoic, his gaze fixed on the crackling fire in the hearth.

As we sat in silence, Ryder finally returned with blankets and pillows, his presence bringing a sense of comfort to the room. With the fire crackling in the hearth, we huddled closer together, seeking solace in each other's company.

After a moment, Ryder broke the silence, his voice steady and resolute. "So, what's the next move?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over each of us.

I cleared my throat, "For now, we should focus on living our lives the best we can," I suggested, glancing at each of my companions in turn. "We can't go rushing into danger, especially not to find Aelin."

Ryder nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful. "What about the royal family and the kingdom?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

Nicholas spoke up, his tone determined. "We'll find a way to restore the kingdom when the time is right," he declared, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Ryder fell silent for a moment, his gaze distant as he contemplated our situation. "There's no ruler of Elentia. Things are falling apart now." he said finally, his voice heavy with sorrow.

London's voice broke the silence, her tone tinged with uncertainty. "But what about Aelin? Isn't she the heir?" she murmured, her eyes clouded with worry.

Lou interjected, her voice laced with frustration. "And what about those assassins? What if they hurt her?" she demanded, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the fire.

Ryder's expression hardened, his jaw set in determination. "I'll find a way to get Aelin out of there," he vowed, his gaze meeting mine with unwavering resolve. "But it's best that you don't come with me."

He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on Nicholas. "That man, Phantom," he continued, his voice low and grave. "He's been obsessed with the Elinar Family for a while now, especially the eldest daughter. Your sister."

Nicholas's eyes widened in surprise, his grip tightening on his sword. "If you guys come with me," Ryder warned, his voice tinged with urgency, "he'll kill you on the spot."

"Dammit." I muttered.

My heart pounded in my chest as I watched Nicholas absorb the weight of Ryder's words. "My sword," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I pulled it from a pedestal in the Moon Kingdom catacombs."

Ryder's eyes widened in realization, his expression mirroring my own astonishment. "You're the future heir of an ancient kingdom, then," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe.

London looked at Nicholas, her confusion evident. "What kingdom?" she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Ryder's gaze turned to me, his expression solemn. "We don't know much," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "But there's a library in the Astral Citadel. Maybe you can dig into that while I figure out how to save your sister."

As Nicholas nodded in acknowledgment, Ryder's gaze shifted to London's staff, his curiosity evident. "Did you get that from the same catacombs?" he inquired, his tone tinged with interest.

London nodded in confirmation, her expression determined. "I'll work on my magic," she said, "But I want to go with Nicholas to figure out what this kingdom is."

Lou settled back into her seat, her gaze thoughtful. "I want to explore," she announced, her voice tinged with excitement. "And Damion can stay with me. We can share updates with each other."

I nodded in agreement, my expression resolute. "We'll keep each other informed," I confirmed, his tone steady.

Ryder surveyed us all, his gaze lingering on each of our faces in turn. "Is that what y'all are going to do for now?" he asked, his voice steady.

We all nodded in agreement.